New ultra-sensitive chemiluminescent substrates for enzymes and their conjugates

ABSTRACT

New chemiluminescent compounds, stable in aqueous buffers, for use in biological assaying include acridane-based compounds and 1,2-dioxetanes. Among the new acridane-based compounds are water-soluble acridanes, enhancer coupled acridanes, bis and tris-acridanes as well as acridane-1,2-dioxetanes. Among the new 1,2-dioxetanes are electron deficient group-containing dioxetanes and tethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes. The 1,2-dioxetanes are useful as substrates for various enzymes. The acridanes can be admixed with an oxidizing agent. an aqueous buffer and, optionally, a stabilizer to form a substrate or reagent formulation useful for assaying, inter alia, HRP.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/861,492 filed Aug. 23, 2010 which, in turn, is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/578,601,filed Oct. 16, 2006 which was the National Stage Entry of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US05/12680, filed Apr. 14, 2005, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/562,886, filed Apr. 14,2004, the entire disclosures of which, including all drawings, arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a new series of chemiluminescent compounds andtheir use in the detection of different enzymes such as horseradishperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase,β-glucuronidase, esterase, sulfatase and the like. The present inventionalso relates to the synthesis of the new chemiluminescent organiccompounds and their use in the detection of different enzymes or theirconjugates in aqueous buffers. The present invention further relates tothe use of these new chemiluminescent organic compounds for thedetection and quantifying of various biological molecules throughchemiluminescence as well as detecting DNA or RNA fragments in DNA orRNA sequencing applications and methods of use therefore.

2. Description of Related Arts

Enzyme conjugates are used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,blotting techniques, in-situ hybridization, cytometric and histometricassays. Most frequently horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase,β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, arylesterase andsulfatase enzymes are used because of their high turnover rate,stability, and ease of conjugation and relatively low cost. In U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,451,876, 6,602,679 and in pending U.S. Patent Application Ser.Nos. 60/306,041, 60/178,626 and 60/212,883, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference, there is provided a detailed history of theevolution of chemiluminescence compounds and their uses, which for thesake of brevity need not be totally repeated herein.

Peroxidase enzyme is widely distributed in higher plants and inespecially high concentrations in fig sap and horseradish. It is alsofound in some animal tissues and in microorganisms. Because of its wideavailability, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is widely used in labelinghaptens, antibodies, protein A/G, avidin, streptavidin labels and DNAfor enzyme immunoassays, immunocytochemistry, immunoblot and DNAdetection. Horseradish peroxidase has a molecular weight of 40200 andcontains one ferriprotoporphyrin III (protohemin). In protohemin, fourof the six coordination bonds of iron interact with the pyrrole ringnitrogens. The other two coordination bonds are occupied by watermolecules or hydroxyl anions, depending on the pH. In peroxidase, one ofthe two remaining coordination bonds is coordinated to a carboxyl groupof the protein while the other is coordinated to an amino group or to awater molecule. The structure of ferriprotoporphyrin can be shown as:

Peroxidase-based chemiluminescent assays, while demonstrating improveddetection sensitivity, suffer from the lack of reproducibility such thatthe obtained data is not always reliable.

Acridanes have been used as substrates for horseradish peroxidase suchas described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,523,212; 5,670,644; 5,593,845;5,723,295 and 5,750,698. These reagents, as a two component system canbe stored at lower temperature, but after mixing are not stable.However, stabilized formulations of acridanes use for an extended periodof time have been reported in U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,679.

Dioxetanes and, especially, 1,2-dioxetanes are eminently useful todetect the presence, as well as the absence, of certain enzymes influids such as blood and the like because of their chemiluminescence.Thus, 1,2-dioxetanes are eminently useful in doing medical assays.

Enzymatic triggerable 1,2-dioxetanes such as those described by A. P.Schaap, R. S. Handley and B. P. Giri. Tetrahedron Lett., 935 (1987); A.P. Schaap, T. S. Chen, R. S. Handley, R. DeSilva, and B. P. Giri,Tetrahedron Lett., 1159 (1987) as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,550 aresuperior in immunoassays and other related applications compared toperoxidase substrates such as luminol and others. Stabilized1,2-dioxetane substrates provide high signal, low background, widedynamic range, rapid results and excellent reproducibility. These1,2-dioxetanes provide substrates which are highly sensitive and candetect an enzyme concentration up to 10⁻²¹M (6×10² molecules of alkalinephosphatase) in solution as well as on a membrane. The comparativedetection limit of alkaline phosphatase using fluorescence,time-resolved fluorescence and colorimetric techniques is 10⁻¹⁹ M (6×10⁴molecules), 3×10⁻¹⁹ M (1.8×10⁵ molecules) and 5×10⁻¹⁷ M (3×10⁸,molecules), respectively.

Other useful 1,2-dioxetanes are those disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.6,461,876, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Alkaline phosphatases (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase,alkaline optimum) are found primarily in animal tissues andmicroorganisms. Alkaline phosphatases used in Enzyme Immuno Assays (EIA)are isolated from bovine intestinal mucosa or from E. coli. Theseenzymes have considerable differences in their properties and,ordinarily, can not be assayed under identical conditions. The bacterialenzyme has lower activity than the bovine intestinal enzyme.

Alkaline phosphatases hydrolyze numerous esters, such as those ofprimary and secondary alcohols, phenols and amines. A major reason forthe popularity of alkaline phosphatase for EIA is its absence fromhigher plants. The enzyme is abundant in animals and human tissuesinvolved in nutrient transport and in developing tissues and secretoryorgans, but it is not found in significant amounts in muscle, connectivetissue or cartilage. Some pathological conditions increase alkalinephosphatase activities in sera. Reporter gene assays are also invaluablein the study of gene regulatory elements.

Reporter genes are those that encode proteins that can be unambiguouslyassayed once they are incorporated within a living cell. When reportergenes are fused with other genes or with genomic regulatory elements,the resulting DNA constructs can be introduced into the cell ofinterest, and the reporter gene product (an enzyme) can than be assayed.This technique can be used to identify DNA sequences or regulatoryproteins that are required for proper gene expression.

β-D-Galactosidase galactohydrolase or β-galactosidase enzyme has beendetected in numerous microorganisms, animals and plants. In some E. colistrains about 5% of the total protein content is β-galactosidase iflactose is the sole source of carbon. Its large molecular size makes itless suitable for Enzyme Immuno Histology (EIH) but is one of the mostcommonly used enzymes for reporter gene assays. The gene that encodesβ-galactosidase (lac Z) is a commonly used reporter gene in molecularbiology.

β-Glucosidase enzyme is present in nearly all species. It is reportedthat people with Gaucher's disease have β-glucosidase gene mutations,which results in abnormal lysosomal storage.

β-Glucuronidase enzyme is present in plant and mammalian cells. The E.coli GUS gene, which encodes β-glucuronidase, is a major marker fordetecting transformed plant cells. β-Glucuronidase is a widely usedreporter gene in plant genetic research.

Aryl esterase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of lower fatty acid esterssuch as methyl butyrate. Aryl esterase is used to catalyze the cleavageof an acetate-substituted 1,2-dioxetanes at ambient temperature in 0.1Mphosphate buffer.

Aryl sulfatase is used to catalyze the cleavage of a sulfate-substituted1,2-dioxetanes at ambient temperature in 0.1M tris buffer and 0.5Macetate buffer.

However, there still exists a need for new, better and more suitableenzyme substrates. As describe below, the present invention address isthis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides new, highly sensitive chemiluminescentorganic compounds which are useful to produce light in anaqueous buffer.

The present invention provides chemiluminescent substrates for differentenzymes and their conjugates used in the detection of antibodies orantigen in biological fluids and for compounds, particularly toxins andcontaminants, in the environment and food.

In a full aspect hereof, the present invention provides a new series ofacridanes for use in chemiluminescent detection. The new acridanes beinginclude deuterium-based substituted acridanes, water soluble groupcontaining acridanes, enhancer-coupled substituted acridanes,1,2-dioxetanes-coupled substituted acridanes, bis-acridanes andtris-acridanes.

The deuterium atom or deuterium atom containing substituted acridanesgenerally correspond to the formula:

X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; R is methyl, deuterated methyl, phenyl,deuterated phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₁ is alkyl (containing up tosix carbon atoms, branched or normal chain) or deuterated alkyl, aryl ordeuterated aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, alkylalkene,arylalkene, alkylnitrile, alkylalcohol and alkyacid; R₂ and R₃ may bealkyl or deuterated alkyl, methoxy or deuterated methoxy, Cl, Br or CN;wherein at least one of R, R₁, R₂, and R₃ is a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group.

The water soluble group containing or water-soluble acridanes can beshown as:

X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; wherein R₄ is an organic group toincrease the solubility of substituted acridanes in an aqueous buffer;R₅, R₆ and R₇ are the same as R₁, R₂ and R₃ are in structure (2).

The third class of acridanes provided herein are shown as:

wherein R₈ is a substituent for increasing light output in an aqueousbuffer in a chemiluminescent system, R₉, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are organic groupsin the acridane ring as R₁, R₂ and R₃ are in structure (2); X is oxygen,nitrogen or sulfur.

The present invention further provides substituted acridanescorresponding to the formula:

wherein R₁₂ a is substituted 1,2-dioxetane, R₁₃, R₁₄, and R₁₅ are thesubstitution in acridane ring as R₁, R₂ and R₃ are in structure (2); Xis oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur.

The present invention further provide substituted bis or tris-acridaneswhich are used as horseradish peroxidase enzyme substrates. The generalstructure of these bis or tris-acridanes can be shown as:

wherein R₁₆ is alkyl or substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl,alkylaryl or substituted alkylaryl, and R₁₇, R₁₈, and R₁₉ aresubstituents in the acridane ring which may include a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing group; X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur,wherein R₁₉ may be alkyl or deuterated alkyl, aryl or deuterated aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, alkylalkene, arylalkene,alkylnitrile, alkylalcohol and alkyacid; R₁₇ and R₁₈ correspond to R₂and R₃ above.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a first class of new1,2-dioxetanes.

The new class of new 1,2-dioxetanes correspond to the formula:

wherein Y is hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl or otherprotecting group, an enzyme cleaveable group or an antibody cleaveablegroup, R₂₃ is a substitution in the benzene ring such as hydrogen, adeuterium atom, a deuterium atom-containing group, halogen, hydroxy orsubstituted hydroxy, nitrile, alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, amino orsubstituted amino, nitro, aldehyde, acid, amide, aryl or substitutedaryl, R₂₀ is an organic group having an isotopic hydrogen (deuteriumatom) and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear orbranched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl,alkaylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl,alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid, R₂₁ and R₂₂ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain.

A second class of new 1,2-dioxetanes are tethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes.These tether bis-1,2-dioxetanes are prepared by the photo-oxidation oftethered bis-alkenes. The bis-1,2-dioxetanes hereof generally correspondto the formula:

X₁, X₂ and X₃ are each individually, sulphur or oxygen or nitrogen; R₂₄is an organic group and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic,linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; R₂₅ and R₂₆ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain, Ar is either phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substitutednaphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthryl with or without a fluorescentgroup; Y is either hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, anenzyme cleavable group or an antibody cleavable group; and R₂₄ is anorganic group having an isotopic hydrogen(deuterium atom) and isselected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear or branched,halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl,heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl,alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid; R₂₇ and R₂₈ are the same as R₂₅ and R₂, whereinindividulaaly R₂₄, R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇, R₂₈ and Ar may be a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group;

X₄, X₅ and X₆ are each individually sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen; R₂₉ andR₃₀ is an organic group and is selected from the group consisting ofcyclic, linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; R₃₂ and R₃₃ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain, Ar is either phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substitutednaphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthryl with or without a fluorescentgroup; Y is either hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, anenzyme cleavable group, or an antibody cleavable group; and R₃₁ is aaryl or alkyl linker arm; R₃₄ and R₃₅ are as described above for R₃₂ andR₃₃ or

wherein R₃₆, R₃₇, R₃₈, R₃₉ and Ar may include a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group; X₇, X₈, X₉ and X₁₀ are eachindividually sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen, Y is either hydrogen, alkyl,acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, an enzyme cleavable group, or an antibodycleavable group; R₃₆ is an aryl or alkyl linker arm; R₃₉ is an organicgroup and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear orbranched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl,alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl,alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid; R₃₇ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) a substitutedor unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groups having 3 to8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or side chain; R₃₈ isas described above for R₃₇, wherein individually R₂₉, R₃₀, R₃₁, R₃₂,R₃₃, R₃₄, R₃₅ and Ar may comprise a deuterium atom or deuterium atomcontaining organic group; or

X₁₁ and X₁₂ are each, individually, sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen, Y iseither hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, an enzymecleavable group, or an antibody cleavable group; R₄₀ (I) forms

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) forms

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) forms

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) is asubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain; R₄₁ is an organic group and is selected from the group consistingof cyclic, linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl,aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; and Ar either phenyl, substitutedphenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthrylwith or without a fluorescent group, wherein each of R₄₀, R₄₁, and Armay include a deuterium atom or deuterium atom containing organic group.

These new ultra-sensitive 1,2-dioxetanes can detect β-glucosidase,β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, esterase and sulfatase enzymes at verylow level. These chemiluminecent systems are at least 1000 times moresensitive compared to the chromophoric substrates.

The deuterium atom or deuterium atom containing group effects the outputof chemiluminescent light produced by the enzymatic decomposition of1,2-dioxetanes.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention references ismade to the following detailed description and accompanying examples.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a first aspect hereof and as noted above, the present inventionprovides new acridane-based chemiluminescent compounds for uses in anaqueous buffer.

These chemiluminescent compounds are used to prepare stabilizedsubstrate in aqueous buffer or reagent formulations for use in assayingHRP enzyme or its conjugates and other molecules from biologicalsources.

In accordance with the first aspect there is provided deuterium-basedsubstituted acridanes; water-soluble substituted acridanes;enhancer-coupled substituted acridanes; 1,2-dioxetanes-coupledsubstituted acridanes and bis- and tris-substituted acridanes. These aremore particularly discovered herebelow.

Deuterium-Based Substituted Acridanes:

A deuterium atom or deuterium atom-containing group effects the outputof chemiluminescent light produced by the enzymatic decomposition of1,2-dioxetanes. The deuterium atom or deuterium atom containingsubstituted acridanes hereof generally correspond to the formula:

X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; R is methyl, deuterated methyl, phenyl,deuterated phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₁ is alkyl (containing up tosix carbon atoms, branched or normal chain) or deuterated alkyl, aryl ordeuterated aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, alkylalkene,arylalkene, alkylnitrile, alkylalcohol and alkyacid; R₂ and R₃ may bealkyl or deuterated alkyl, methoxy or deuterated methoxy, Cl, Br or CN;wherein at least one of R, R₁, R₂, and R₃ is a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group.

Generally, these acridanes are prepared by the reaction of a substitutedacridane acid chloride and phenols or deuterated phenols or alcohols ordeuterated alcohols in the presence of suitable base such as pyridine ordiisopropylethylamine, under a nitrogen or argon blanket at atemperature ranging from about 5° C. o about 35° C. for a period ofabout 10 minutes to 48 hours.

Typically used acid chlorides are prepared by the reaction of anacridanes carboxylic acid and thionyl chloride.

Water Soluble Substituted Acridanes:

The general structure of these molecules can be shown as:

X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; wherein R₄ is an organic group toincrease the solubility of substituted acridanes in an aqueous buffer;R₅, R₆ and R₇ are the same as R₁, R₂ and R₃ are in structure (2). Amongthe useful water solubility increasing groups are p-hydroxycinnamicacid, p-ainocinnamic acid and 4-(4′ hydroxyphenoxy) phenol,

These acridanes are prepared by the reaction of substituted acridaneacid chloride and p-hydroxycinnamic acid or p-aimocinnamic acid or 4-(4′hydroxyphenoxy) phenol in the presence of a suitable base under anitrogen or argon blanket at the same necessary parameters noted above.

Enhancer coupled Substituted Acridanes:

The present invention, as noted, provides here the general structure ofthese substituted acridanes can be shown as:

wherein R₈ is a substituent for increasing light output in an aqueousbuffer in a chemiluminescent system, R₉, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are organic groupsin the acridane ring as R₁, R₂ and R₃ are in structure (2); X is oxygen,nitrogen or sulfur. Among the useful enhancer groupwhich may, also,increase water solubility are p-hydroxycinnamic acid, p-ainocinnamicacid, 4-(4′ hydroxyphenoxy) phenol, 6-hydroxybenzothiazole,p-phenylhenol, p-iodophenol.

These acridanes are prepared by the reaction of substituted acridaneacid chloride and the enhancer in the presence of a suitable base undera nitrogen or argon blanket at the same necessary parameters notedabove.

The enhancer-coupled acridanes will release the enhancer molecule afterreacting with HRP-Fe^(V)═O in an aqueous buffer. The reaction sequencecan be shown as:

The released enhancer accelerates the reaction of acridane andHRP-Fe^(V)═O for to generate greater chemiluminescence.

1,2-Dioxetanes Coupled Substituted Acridanes:

The decomposition of 1,2-dioxetanes by horseradish peroxidase enzyme isnot known in the literature. It has been found that these substituted1,2-dioxetanes hereof can be triggered by horseradish peroxidase enzyme.The general structure can be shown as:

wherein R₁₂ a is substituted 1,2-dioxetane, including[(4-methoxy)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene],R₁₃, R₁₄, and R₁₅ are the substitution in acridane ring as R₁, R₂ and R₃are in structure (2); X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur

These acridanes are prepared by the reaction of substituted acridanesacid chloride and the stabilized substituted 1,2-dioxetanes in thepresence of a suitable base, such as pyridine or diisopropylamine undera nitrogen or argon blanket.

Although not wishing to be biased by any theory, it appears that themost probable mechanism for the decomposition of the presentacridanes-1,2-dioxetanes is the formation of a phenoxide ion which, ondecomposition, under basic conditions, gives off light, and this can beshown as:

HRP-Fe^(V)═O+EH→HRP-Fe^(IV)-OH+E

HRP-Fe^(IV)-OH+EH→HRP-Fe^(III)+E+H₂O

Bis- and Tris-Acridanes:

As noted above, the present invention, also provide bis- andtris-acridanes for use as chemiluminescent compounds. These can be shownas:

wherein R₁₆ is alkyl or substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl,alkylaryl or substituted alkylaryl, and R₁₇, R₁₈, and R₁₉ aresubstituents in the acridane ring which may include a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing group; X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur,wherein R₁₉ may be alkyl or deuterated alkyl, aryl or deuterated aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, alkylalkene, arylalkene,alkylnitrile, alkylalcohol and alkyacid; R₁₇ and R₁₈ correspond to R₂and R₃ above.

The present acridanes, as noted, may be used to prepare stabilizedchemiluminescent reagents when admixed with an oxidizing agents, abuffer and/or a stabilizing agent.

As noted hereabove and in a second aspect hereof there is provided a newclass of 1,2-dioxetanes including electron-deficient group containingdioxetanes and tethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes.

The present invention, also, provide new alkenes for the production ofthe 1,2-dioxetanes. These 1,2-dioxetanes may be used for the detectionof alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase,β-glucuronidase, esterase, and sulfatase.

Electron Deficient Group Containing 1,2-Dioxetanes;

The electron deficient group containing 1,2-dioxetanes can berepresented as:

wherein Y is hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl or otherprotecting group, an enzyme cleaveable group or an antibody cleaveablegroup, R₂₃ is a substitution in the benzene ring such as hydrogen, adeuterium atom, a deuterium atom-containing group, halogen, hydroxy orsubstituted hydroxy, nitrile, alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, amino orsubstituted amino, nitro, aldehyde, acid, amide, aryl or substitutedaryl, R₂₀ is an organic group having an isotopic hydrogen (deuteriumatom) and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear orbranched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl,alkaylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl,alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid, R₂₁ and R₂₂ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain.

As described below electron deficient group containing 1,2-dioxetaneshereof are synthesized by the oxidation of a new series of substitutedalkenes containing electron deficient or electron withdrawing groups. Aris a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring having an electronwithdrawing group or groups such as Cl or CN, R₂₀ R₂₁ and R₂₂ aredescribed above.

The electron deficient group substituted 1,2-dioxetanes hereofcorrespond to the following:

When these 1,2-dioxetanes react with alkaline phosphatase enzyme in anaqueous buffer, they give an unstable aryl oxide 1,2-dioxetaneintermediates of the formulae:

These unstable 1,2-dioxetanes intermediates (22) and (23), then,spontaneously decompose to produce light and compounds of the followingformulae:

More particularly the 1,2-dioxetanes hereof are prepared from alkeneshaving an isotopic or nonisotopic hydrogen or isotopic or nonisotopichydrogen atom-containing group thereof. These alkenes are prepared bythe reaction of (a) a spiro-fused ketone with or without π-electron inthe ring or side chain or other ketone having a carbon to carbon doublebond or triple bond with (b) an aromatic ester or other ketone, whereinat least one or both of the spiro-fused ketone or ester or other ketonehas an isotopic hydrogen or isotopic hydrogen-containing group.

Generally, the reaction proceeds, using titanium trichloride ortetrachloride and a reducing agent such as an active metal or lithiumaluminum hydride in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or other solvent of choice.This reaction is an intermolecular coupling of a ketone and an ester orketone to form a vinyl ether using a modified McMurray procedure.

Ar is substituted or unsubstituted aromatic aromatic ring havingelectron withdrawing group or groups, R₂₀, R₂₁ and R₂₂ are describedabove. The new alkenes hereof used to prepare the present1,2-dioxetanes, thus, correspond to the general formula:

Generally, the intermolecular coupling reaction between the spiro-fusedketone or ketones and the ester or other ketone is carried out at atemperature ranging from about 25° C. to about 85° C. and, preferably,from about 45° C. to about 65° C.

After the alkene is obtained it is then, photooxidized to form thestable, triggerable 1,2-dioxetanes hereof. These dioxetanes can, then,be de-stablized or triggered by reaction with a base, an acid, enzymeand or inorganic or organic catalyst and/or electron donor source in thepresence or absence of a fluorescent compound.

These electron withdrawing group containing 1,2-dioxetanes hereof candetect β-galactosidase enzyme at very low level. The substrates areprepared by the photooxidation of β-galactose-substituted alkenes whichare prepared by reacting the hydroxy group containing alkenes on benzenering such, as (3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane, withacetobromo-α-D-galactose.

Substrates for β-galactosidase enzyme are more sensitive then priorsubstratesdue to the effect of the π-electrons on the decomposition ofthe 1,2-dioxetane intermediates in the form of phenoxide ion formedafter the interaction of the galactoside group on the 1,2-dioxetane andthe β-galactosidase enzyme. The effect of the cyano group on thephenoxide ion and the deuterated methyl group on the dioxetane ring,also, enhances the output of chemiluminescent light.

The enzymatic cleavage of both unsaturated and saturated 1,2-dioxetanescan be shown as:

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN; R is CH₃, CD₃.

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN

Similarly the electron withdrawing 1,2-dioxetanes are useful substratesfor 13-glucosidase enzyme detection. They are prepared by thephotooxidation of 13-D-glucoside-substituted alkenes which, in turn, areprepared by the reaction of hydroxy group containing alkenes onbenzenering such as, (3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane and2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide, where the cleavagereaction proceeds as flows:

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN; R is CH₃, CD₃.

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN

Using the same electron withdrawing 1,2-dioxetane(59), β-glucuronidaseenzyme substrates are also provided prepared by the photooxidation ofβ-D-glucoside-substituted alkenes which, in turn, are prepared by thereaction hydroxy group containing alkenes on benzene ring such as,(3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane andacetobromo-α-D-glucoronic acid, methyl ester.

These chemiluminecent systems appear to be at least 1000 times moresensitive compared to the chromophoric substrates.

The enzymatic cleavage of the 1,2-dioxetane in the presence ofβ-glucuronidase enzyme can be shown as:

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN; R is CH₃ or CD₃. or

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN

Also, arylesterase enzyme substrates prepared by the photooxidation ofacetyl-substituted alkenes, which can be prepared by the reaction ofreaction hydroxy group containing alkeneson benzene ring such as,(3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane andacetyl chloride reaction.

The enzymatic cleavage of these same electron withdrawing groupcontaining 1,2-dioxetanes can be shown as:

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN; R is CH₃, CD₃. or

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN

The same applied for arylsulfatase enzyme substrates where thesulfate-substituted alkenes are prepared by the reaction of hydroxygroup containing alkenes on benzene ring such as,(3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane andchlorosulfonic acid. The enzymatic cleavage of electron withdrawinggroup containing 1,2-dioxetane can be shown as:

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CN; R is CH₃, CD₃. or

wherein X₁₇ is H, Cl, Br, CNTethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes:A second class of new 1,2-dioxetanes are tethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes.These tether bis-1,2-dioxetanes are prepared by the photo-oxidation oftethered bis-alkenes.

The bis-1,2-dioxetanes hereof generally correspond to the formula:

X₁, X₂ and X₃ are each individually, sulphur or oxygen or nitrogen; R₂₄is an organic group and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic,linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; R₂₅ and R₂₆ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain, Ar is either phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substitutednaphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthryl with or without a fluorescentgroup; Y is either hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, anenzyme cleavable group or an antibody cleavable group; and R₂₄ is anorganic group having an isotopic hydrogen(deuterium atom) and isselected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear or branched,halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl,heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl,alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid; R₂₇ and R₂₈ are the same as R₂₅ and R₂, whereinindividulaaly R₂₄, R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇, R₂₈ and Ar may be a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group; or

X₄, X₅ and X₆ are each individually sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen; R₂₉ andR₃₀ is an organic group and is selected from the group consisting ofcyclic, linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl,arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; R₃₂ and R₃₃ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) are eachsubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain, Ar is either phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substitutednaphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthryl with or without a fluorescentgroup; Y is either hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, anenzyme cleavable group, or an antibody cleavable group; and R₃₁ is aaryl or alkyl linker arm; R₃₄ and R₃₅ are as described above for R₃₂ andR₃₃

wherein R₃₆, R₃₇, R₃₈, R₃₉ and Ar may include a deuterium atom ordeuterium atom containing organic group; X₇, X₈, X₉ and X₁₀ are eachindividually sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen, Y is either hydrogen, alkyl,acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, an enzyme cleavable group, or an antibodycleavable group; R₃₆ is an aryl or alkyl linker arm; R₃₉ is an organicgroup and is selected from the group consisting of cyclic, linear orbranched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl,alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl,alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂, alkyl(etheralkyl)₃,alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂, alkylalkene, alkylalkyne,arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol, alkylnitrile, alkylamine,alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof, haloalkylalcohol,haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid or inorganic saltsthereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody, linker-antigen,linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein, linker-carbohydrate orlinker-lipid; R₃₇ (I) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, (II) form

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) form

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) a substitutedor unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groups having 3 to8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or side chain; R₃₈ isas described above for R₃₇, wherein individually R₂₉, R₃₀, R₃₁, R₃₂,R₃₃, R₃₄, R₃₅ and Ar may comprise a deuterium atom or deuterium atomcontaining organic group;

X₁₁ and X₁₂ are each, individually, sulphur, oxygen or nitrogen, Y iseither hydrogen, alkyl, acetate, t-butyldimethylsilyl, an enzymecleavable group, or an antibody cleavable group; R₄₀ (I) forms

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or spiro-fused ring containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond or cabon-carbon triple bond in the ring orside chain, with or without heteroatoms, or (II) forms

which is a cyclic, polycyclic or a spiro-fused ring containing asubstituted or unsubstituted fused aromatic ring or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic ring attached by linker arms, or (III) forms

which is either a cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic alkylgroup which is spiro-fused to the dioxetane ring or (IV) is asubstituted or unsubstituted branched alkyl groups or cycloalkyl groupshaving 3 to 8 carbon atoms and being substituted in the ring or sidechain; R₄₁ is an organic group and is selected from the group consistingof cyclic, linear or branched, halogenated or non-halogenated alkyl,aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,cycloheteroalkyl, alkyletheralkyl, alkyletheraryl, alkyl(etheralkyl)₂,alkyl(etheralkyl)₃, alkyletherhaloalkyl, alkyl(etherhaloalkyl)₂,alkylalkene, alkylalkyne, arylalkene, arylalkyne, alkylalcohol,alkylnitrile, alkylamine, alkylacid or the inorganic salts thereof,haloalkylalcohol, haloalkylnitrile, haloalkylamine, haloalkylacid orinorganic salts thereof, linker-flourescent molecule, linker-antibody,linker-antigen, linker-biotin, inker-avidin, linker-protein,linker-carbohydrate or linker-lipid; and Ar either phenyl, substitutedphenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, anthryl, substituted anthrylwith or without a fluorescent group, wherein each of R₄₀, R₄₁, and Armay include a deuterium atom or deuterium atom containing organic group.

The bis-1,2-dioxetanes hereof are prepared from alkenes having anisotopic or nonisotopic hydrogen or isotopic or nonisotopic hydrogenatom-containing group thereof and correspond to the formula:

wherein X₁₃, R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇ and R₂₈ are as described above, or

whwerein X₁₄, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₃₄ and R₃₅ as are describe above, or

wherein R₃₉, and X₁₅ are as described above, or

wherein R₄₁ and X₁₆ are as described above.

The bis-1,2-dioxetanes of formulae (29), (30), (31) and (32) react withalkaline phosphatase enzyme in an aqueous buffer. They breakdown into anunstable aryl oxide 1,2-dioxetane intermediate of the following formulae(33), (34), (35) and (36), respectively;

These unstable 1,2-dioxetane intermediates, then, spontaneouslydecompose to produce light and compounds of the formulae:

The intermediate alkenes for the synthesis of bis-1,2-dioxetanes areprepared by the reaction of (a) a spiro-fused bis-(ketone) with eitherπ-electrons or a carbon-carbon double or triple bond(s) in thespiro-fused ring and (b) an aromatic ester or another ketone or (2) (a)a spiro-fused ketone and a bis-(aromatic ester) or other tetheredbis-(ketones). Additionally, these new tethered bis-(1,2-dioxetanes) mayhave electron donating or withdrawing groups with or without one of thehydrogen atoms replaced by deuterium at the four-membered peroxide ring.

The new alkenes hereof used to prepare the present 1,2-dioxetanes, thus,correspond to the general formula:

wherein R₂₄, R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇, R₂₈ and Ar, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as describedabove or

wherein R₂₉, R₃₀, R₃₁, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₃₄, R₃₅ and Ar, X₄, X₅ and X₆ are asdescribed above or

wherein R₃₆, R₃₇, R₃₈, R₃₉, X₇, X₈, X₉ and X₁₀ are as described above or

wherein R₄₀, R₄₁, and Ar, X₁₁, X₁₂ are as described above.

After the alkene is obtained it is then, photooxidized to form thestable, triggerable 1,2-dioxetanes hereof. These dioxetanes can, then,be de-stablized or triggered by reaction with a base, an acid, enzymeand or inorganic or organic catalyst and/or electron donor source in thepresence or absence of a fluorescent compound.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference ismade to the following non-limiting examples. In the examples, all partsand percentages are by weight unless expressly stated to be otherwise.

In supporting the findings reported below, the structures of theresulting compounds were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).NMR spectra were recorded on a Brucker BZH 250 spectrometer in desiredsolvents using tetramethylsilane as an internal standard.Chemiluminescence kinetics was performed on a Berthold MicroplateLuminometer at room temperature. The purity of the materials was checkedby TLC on a silica gel plate. Melting points were measured in aMEL-TEMPII capillary melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. Allthe alkenes were dissolved in a suitable solvent and photo-oxidized byirradiation with a 1000 W sodium lamp under bubbled oxygen at ice-watertemperature in the presence of polymer-bound Rose Bengal as reported inthe literature.

Following are a series of examples illustrating the preparation ofvarious acridanes in accordance with the present invention.

Example I

This example illustrates the synthesis of phenyl 10-methyl (D₃)acridan-9-carboxylateSynthesis of methyl acridin-9-carboxylate (67):

Into a 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer andheating mantle was charged 5 parts of acridin-9-carboxylic acidhydrate(66) and 35 mL of thionyl chloride. The reaction mixture washeated at reflux for 3 hrs and gave reddish brown solution. Excessthionyl chloride was removed under reduced pressure and dried undervacuum to yield golden yellow solid which was dissolved in a solution of2.82 parts of pyridine in 80 mL of dichloromethane under argonatmosphere and cooled to about 5° C. (ice-water). A solution of 2 partsof methanol in 20 mL of dichloromethane was added over 10 min to thesolution and stirred for 30 min. The solution was stirred for 20 hrs andwashed with 2×100 parts of deionized water. The organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and purified by columnchromatography on silica gel with 20% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield,4.32 parts of methyl acridin-9-carboxylate. NMR analysis showed thestructure to the methyl acridin-9-carboxylate.

Synthesis of methyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate (68):

Thereafter into a 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer was charged a solution of 3.75 parts of the methylacridin-9-carboxylate in 50 mL of dichloromethane under argonatmosphere. 5.8 parts of methyl (D₃) trifluoromethanesulfonate was addedto the solution and stirred for 72 hrs at room temperature. A brightyellow solid was collected by filtration, washed with 2×5 mL ofdichloromethane and air dried for 4 hrs to yield 66, 5.35 parts ofmethyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate.

Synthesis of methyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate (69):

Next, into a 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer,reflux condensor and heating mantle, under argon atmosphere, was charged5.13 parts of the received acridinium salt (68) in 250 mL of ethanol.19.5 parts NH₄Cl was added in six portions to a hot yellow solution,followed by 23.6 parts Zn in three portions causing immediatedecolorization of the solution. The reaction mixture was refluxed for anadditional 45 mins and filtered. The solid was washed with 2×40 mL ofethanol. The combined filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressureand yield an off-white solid. The solid was dissolved in 150 mL ofdichloromethane and washed with 2×50 mL of deionized water. The organiclayer was separated, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. Thesolution was concentrated under reduced pressure and 2.95 parts ofmethyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate. NMR analysis showed thestructure to the methyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate.

Synthesis of 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylic acid (70):

Thereafter into 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer, reflux condenser and heating mantle under argon atmosphere wascharged a solution of 2.9 parts of methyl ester 69 in 200 mL ofmethanol. An aqueous solution of 5.3 N NaOH (9 mL) was added to the hotsolution and heated at reflux for 6 hr. The solution was cooled to roomtemperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue wasdissolved in 50 mL of deionized water under an argon atmosphere. The pHwas adjusted to 6.0 with 2.75 mL of CH₃CO₂H and dissolved in 100 mL ofdichloromethane. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution was concentrated under reducedpressure and dried under vacuum to yield 2.45 parts of 10-methyl (D₃)acridan-9-carboxylic acid and the structure was identified by NMR.

This 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylic acid (70) was used to preparedifferent acridanes carboxylates as described below:Synthesis of 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylic acid chloride (71):

A solution of 0.24 Parts of 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylic acid in15 mL of dichloromethane was charged into a 50 mL round bottom flaskround bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer under an argonatmosphere and cooled tot 5° C. Next 0.76 parts of thionyl chloride wasadded to the cold yellow acid solution and stirred for 2 hrs at the tempbelow 15° C. The light red brown solution was then concentrated underreduced pressure and residue dried for 10 mins under reduced pressure.

Synthesis of phenyl 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate (72):

Next, into a 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrerunder an argon atmosphere was charged a solution of the acid chloride(71) prepared from above, 0.29 parts of diisopropylethylamine in 10 mLof dichloromethane and cooled at 5° C. (ice-water). A solution of 0.095parts of phenol in 5 mL of dichloromethane and 1 mL of tetrahydrofuranwas added to the mixture over 10 min to light brown acid chloridesolution and stirred for 30 min. The cooling bath was removed and thereaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hr. The crudemixture was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 20%ethyl acetate-hexanes to give phenyl 10-methyl (D₃)acridan-9-carboxylate (72), yield 0.155 parts, having the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

Example II

This example illustrates the synthesis of phenyl (D₅) 10-methyl (D₃)acridan-9-carboxylate:

The synthesis of phenyl (D₅) 10-methyl (D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate isachieved by following the same method as in Example I, using 0.48 partsof acid chloride (71) and 0.2 parts of deuterated phenol. The followingstructure of the isolated product, 0.275 parts, was confirmed by NMR.

Example III

This example illustrates the synthesis of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl 10-methyl(D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate:

Following the same method as in Example 1,2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl 10-methyl(D₃) acridan-9-carboxylate was prepared from 0.48 parts of acid chloride(71) and 0.2 parts of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. The following structure ofthe isolated product, 0.275 parts, was confirmed by NMR.

Example IV

This example illustrates the synthesis of phenyl (D₅)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate:Synthesis of methyl 10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate (75):

By reacting 4.2 parts of methyl acridin-9-carboxylate in 60 mL ofdichloromethane and 6.4 Parts of methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, asdescribed in Example I, bright yellow solid was collected by filtration,washed with 2×5 mL of dichloromethane and air dried for 6 hr to give,6.65 parts, of methyl 10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate having thr following structure.

CL Synthesis of methyl 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate (76):A solution of methyl 10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate (75), 4.25 parts, in methanol is reduced asdescribed in Example I to give 3.2 parts of methyl10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate and the isolated product has thefollowing structure confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of 10-Methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid (77):

A solutions of 3.2 parts of methyl ester (76) is hydrolyzed as describedin Example I, to give 2.85 parts of 10-Methylacridan-9-carboxylic acidwhich was confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of 10-Methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid chloride (78):

A solution of 0.35 parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid (77) in20 mL dichloromethane and 1.1 parts of thionyl chloride is treated asdescribed in Example I, to give 10-Methylacridan-9-carboxylic acidchloride.

Synthesis of phenyl (D₅) 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate (79):

The acid chloride (78) prepared from above is treated with 0.5 parts ofdiisopropylethylamine in 15 mL of dichloromethane and 0.16 parts ofphenol (D₆) in 5 mL of dichloromethane and 1 mL of tetrahydrofuran asdescribed in Example I to yield 0.24 parts of phenyl (D₅)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate. The structure was confirmed by NMR asthe following.

Example V

This example illustrates the synthesis of 4,4′-biphenyl10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate (80):

A solution of 0.24 parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acidchloride(78) in 10 mL dichloromethane and 0.145 parts of 4-phenylphenol(76) in 5 mL of dichloromethane and 1 mL of tetrahydrofuran is treatedas described in example I, to give 0.21 parts of 4,4′-biphenyl10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate. This compound has the followingstructure.

Example VI

This example illustrates the synthesis of [(4-Methoxy(D₃))-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]-10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate:

A solution of 0.15 parts of 10-methyl(D₃)acridan-9-carboxylic acidchloride (78) in 6 mL of dichloromethane and of 0.115 parts of[(4-Methoxy(D₃))-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]in 2 mL of dichloromethane is treated as described in Example I, to give0.134 parts of [(4-Methoxy(D₃))-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane].-10-methylacridan-9-carboxylateof the following structure confirmed by NMR.

Example VII

This example illustrates the synthesis of [(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene]-10-methyl(D₃)acridan-9-carboxylate:

A solution of a solution of 0.18 parts of10-methyl(D₃)acridan-9-carboxylic acid chloride(78) and of 0.115 partsof [(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene]in 2 mL of dichloromethane is treated, as described in example I, togive 0.13 parts of [(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene]-10-methyl(D₃)acridan-9-carboxylateof the following structure confirmed by NMR.

Example VIII

This example illustrates the synthesis of 4′-carboxylic acid-4-biphenyl10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate:

A solution of a solution of 0.18 parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylicacid chloride (78) and 0.2 parts of 4′-hydroxy-4-biphenylcarboxylic acidin 1 mL of pyridine is treated, as described in example I, to give4′-carboxylic acid-4-biphenyl 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate, 0.11parts, of the following structure confirmed by NMR.

Example IX

This example illustrates the synthesis of [4-(2-propenoicacid)]phenyl-10-methyl-9-carboxylate:

Following the procedure of Example I, a solution of a solution of 0.235parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid chloride (78) in 15 mL ofdichloromethane and 0.22 parts of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (87) in 1 mL ofpyridine is treated to give 0.32 parts of [4-(2-propenoicacid)]phenyl-10-methyl-9-carboxylate, 0.13 parts, of the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

Example X

This example illustrates the synthesis of Bis-(1,2-Ethane)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate:First, hydroxyethyl 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate was prepared asfollows:

Into a 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer and underan argon atmosphere was charged a solution of 0.305 parts of10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid (77) in 15 mL of dichloromethane andcooled to 5° C. (ice-water). Then, 1.05 parts of thionyl chloride wasadded to the cold yellow acid solution and stirred for 1.5 hr at atemperature below 15° C. The light red brown solution was concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was dried for 15 min to give acidchloride (78).

Then, into a round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer and underargon atmosphere was charged a solution of the acid chloride (78)prepared from above and 0.3 parts of diisopropylethylamine in 12 mL oftetrahydrofuran. This mixture was cooled in ice-water. A solution of0.51 parts of ethylene glycol in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran was added tothe cold light brown acid chloride solution and stirred for 30 min. Thecooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20hrs. The crude mixture was purified by column chromatography on silicagel with 20% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield 0.21 parts of the followingcarboxylate.

Thereafter bis-(1,2-Ethane) 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate was preparedfrom the ester by the following procedure:

Into a 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer underargon atmosphere was charged the solution of 0.127 parts of10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acid (74) in 5 mL of dichloromethane andcooled to 5° C. Then 0.4 parts of thionyl chloride was added to the coldyellow acid solution and stirred for 2.25 hrs at a temperature below 15°C. The light red brown solution was concentrated under reduced pressureand residue dried for 40 min. following the procedure setforth inExample I, the resulting acid chloride (78) was used to react 0.1 partsof hydroxyethyl ester (84) in 1 mL of tetrahydrofuran to yield 0.072parts bis-(1,2-ethane) 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate and the followingstructure was confirmed by NMR.

Example XI

This example illustrates the synthesis of bis-(1,4-phenoxy)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate (91):

First, 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenol (93) was prepared by thefollowing procedure:

A solution of 2.9 parts of imidazole, 1.99 parts of hydroquinone and 3parts of tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride in 10 mL of dimethylformamidewas stirred at room temperature for 1 hr 45 min. The reaction wasmonitored by TLC showed formation of product. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with 50 mL of deionized water and product was extracted with2×50 mL of ether. The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure and purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 5%ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield 2.24 parts4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenol. NMR was used to confirm thefollowing structure.

Thereafter 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl acridin-9-carboxylatewas prepared by the following procedure:

A solution of 1.2 parts of 4-silyloxyphenol (86) in 10 mL ofdichloromethane was treated with acid chloride ofacridinium-9-carboxylic acid (66) described in example I to yield 1.6parts of 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl acridin-9-carboxylatehaving the following structure confirmed by NMR.

Then 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylate trifluoromethanesulfonate was preparedas follows:

Into a 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer underargon atmosphere charged a solution of 1.6 parts of4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl acridin-9-carboxylate in 25 mL ofdichloromethane. 3.2 Parts of methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate was addedto the solution and stirred for 40 hrs at room temperature. Brightyellow solid was collected by filtration, washed with 2×1 mL ofdichloromethane and air dried for 4 hr to yield 1.44 parts of4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl 10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylatetrifluoromethanesulfonate having the following structure confirmed byNMR.

Thereafter 4-Hydroxyphenyl 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate was preparedas follows:

Into a 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer, refluxcondensor and heating mantle under an argon atmosphere was charged asolution of 1.42 parts of the 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)phenyl10-methylacridinium-9-carboxylate trifluoromethanesulfonate in 200 mL ofethanol. Then 16 arts NH₄Cl was added in five portions, followed by 19.3parts of Zn in five portions to a hot yellow solutions causing immediatedecolorization of the solution. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2hrs and filtered. The solid was washed with 2×25 mL of ethanol. Thecombined filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to giveoff-white solid. The solid was dissolved in 250 mL of dichloromethaneand washed with 100 mL of deionized water. After separation the organiclayer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and purified by columnchromatography on silica gel with 10% ethyl acetate-hexane to yield 0.76parts of 4-Hydroxyphenyl 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate. The structurewas confirmed as:

Thereafter bis-(1,4-phenoxy) 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate was preparedby the following method:

A solution of 0.128 parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acidchloride(75) in 8 mL of dichloromethane containing 0.15 parts ofdiisopropylethylamine was treated with the solution of 0.135 parts of4-hydroxyphenyl acridan ester (96) in 3 mL of dichloromethane asdescribed in example I to yield 0.126 parts bis-(1,4-phenoxy)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate and the structure was confirmed by NMR.

Example XII

This example illustrates the synthesis of bis-(1,5-naphthyl)10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate:

A solution of 0.157 parts of 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylic acidchloride(78) in 10 mL dichloromethane and 0.067 parts of1,5-dihydroxynaphthol (97) was reacted as described in Example I, toyield 0.1 parts bis-(1,5-naphthyl) 10-methylacridan-9-carboxylate. Thefollowing structure was confirmed by NMR.

Following are a series of examples illustrating the preparation of1,2-dioxetanes in accordance with the present invention.

Example XIII

This example illustrates the synthesis of[(4-phenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:(a). Synthesis of tert-butyldimethylsilyl3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoate (92):

Into a 500 mL round bottom flask was charged a solution of 13.95 partsof 4-chloro-3-hydroxy benzoic acid, 33.5 parts oftert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride and 31.3 parts of imidazole in 31 mL ofdry dimethylformamide and stirred at room temperature for 24 hr. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formation ofproduct. The reaction mixture was diluted with 250 mL of deionized waterand the product was extracted with 2×250 mL of hexanes. The hexaneslayer was washed with 3×200 mL deionized water, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressureto yield 37.6 parts of an oil.

(b). Synthesis of 3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoic acid:

Into a 500 mL round bottom flask, 38 mL of 10% aqueous NaOH solution wasadded over 5 min to a solution of 37.6 parts of tert-butyldimethylsilyl3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoate in 185 mL of tetrahydrofuran andthe reaction mixture was stirred for 40 min at room temperature. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formation ofproduct. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography on silica gel using 30% ethylacetate-hexanes to give an oil, yield 20.3 parts.

(c). Synthesis of 3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoyl chloride:

Into a 100 mL round bottom flask a mixture of 5 parts of3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoic acid and 25 mL of thionyl chloridewas heated at reflux for 1 hr 30 min. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to yield 5.77 parts of an oil.

(d). Synthesis of phenyl 4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy benzoate:

Into a 250 mL three neck round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under an argonatmosphere was charged a solution of 5.61 parts of4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoyl chloride and 2.12 parts ofpyridine in 50 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. (ice-water). Asolution of 1.82 parts of phenol in 25 mL of dichloromethane was addeddrop-wise over 20 mins to a cold solution and stirred for additional 10mins. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hrs.The reaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formationof product. The reaction mixture was diluted with 125 mL ofdichloromethane and was washed with 3×100 mL of deionized water. Theorganic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. Afterevaporating the solvent, the crude mixture was purified bychromatography on silica gel with 10% ethylacetate-hexanes. The productfractions (TLC) were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure togive an oil, yield 4.9 parts.

(e). Synthesis of (3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-4-chlorophenyl)phenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]-tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 1 L three-neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, refluxcondenser and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was charged 150 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. 27.6 partsof TiCl₄ was added dropwise over 7 min and the suspension was stirredfor 8 minutes. Then 22.8 parts of Zn dust was added carefully in smallportions over 10 min to the suspension. The reaction mixture was heatedat reflux for 4 hrs and 90 mL of Et₃N was added drop-wise over 10 mins.After refluxing the mixture for 50 mins, a solution of 4.9 parts ofphenyl 4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy benzoate and 3.1 parts ofketone 18 in 100 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added drop wise over 1hr 20 mins and refluxed for next 6 hrs. The mixture was cooled to roomtemperature and diluted with 500 mL 1:1 mixture of ethylacetate-hexanes. The mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with3×100 mL 1:1 solvent mixture. The combined filtrate was evaporated underreduced pressure and the crude mixture was purified by chromatography ona silica gel eluting with an ethyl acetate-hexane mixture containing0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) were combined and evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 2.35 parts.

(f). Synthesis of (3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl) phenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]-tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 100 mL round bottom flask 1.62 parts of 75 wt. % solution oftetrabutylammonium fluoride in water was added over 2 min to a solutionof 2.32 parts of pure (3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-4-chlorophenyl)phenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene in 50 mL oftetrahydrofuran and stirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reactionwas monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formation of product.The reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and extractedwith 100 mL of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reducedpressure and crude mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gelwith 25% ethyl acetate-hexanes containing 0.25% Et₃N. The productfractions (TLC) were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure togive an oil, yield 1.62 parts.

(g). Synthesis of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl) phenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt:

Into a 250 mL three-neck round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer and pressure equalizing addition funnel under argon atmospherewas added a solution of 1.79 parts of phosphorous oxychloride in 30 mLof dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. Then, a solution of(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl) phenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 3.3 parts of anhydrouspyridine in 20 mL of dichloromethane was added to the cold solution over2 hr 10 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3hrs. The reaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate and showedformation of a product. The reaction mixture cooled to 5° C. and asolution of 2.15 parts of 3-hydroxypropionitrile and 3.6 parts ofanhydrous pyridine in 35 mL dichloromethane was added drop wise to thereaction mixture over 30 mins. The reaction mixture was stirred for 26hrs at room temperature and was cooled to 5° C. for 45 mins and thesolid was filtered and washed with cold 10 mL cold dichloromethane. Thesolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and crude mixture waspurified by chromatography on silica gel with 75% ethyl acetate-hexanecontaining 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) were combined and thesolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 1.42parts. The phosphate ester was dissolved in 75 mL of acetone and 2.2 mLof 10% aqueous NaOH solution was added drop wise over 2 min. Stirringwas continued for 2 hrs and the mixture was diluted with 20 mL ofacetonitrile. The solid was filtered and washed with 5 mL of acetone.The solid material was crystallized from a methanol and acetone mixture.The solid was filtered, washed with 5 mL acetone and dried, yield 1.1parts.

(h). Synthesis of[(4-phenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:

Disodium phosphate ester of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)phenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]-tridec-2,7-ene, disodium saltwas photo-oxidized as reported described to give[(4-phenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt.

Example XIV

This example illustrates the synthesis of[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:

This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:

(a). Synthesis of 4-Chlorophenyl 4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoate:

A solution of 5.75 parts of 4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoylchloride and 2.15 parts of pyridine in 50 mL of dichloromethane and 2.52parts of 4-chlorophenol in 25 mL of dichloromethane was treated asdescribed in example XIII (d) to give an oil, yield 5.5 parts and thefollowing structure was confirmed by NMR.

(b) Synthesis of (3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-4-chlorophenyl)4-chlorophenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:Similar method was used by using 5.3 parts of 4-Chlorophenyl4-chloro-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy benzoate and 3.25 parts of ketone18 in 75 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran as described in example XIII (e)to give an oil, yield 2.4 parts. NMR spectrum was in agreement with thefollowing structure.

(c). Synthesis of (3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl) 4-chlorophenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

For the removal of siloxy group 1.6 parts of 75 wt. % solution oftetrabutylammonium fluoride in water was added over 2 min to a solutionof 2.38 parts of (3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-4-chlorophenyl)4-chlorophenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene in 40 mLof tetrahydrofuran and stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. After workup as described in example XIII (f) obtained an oil, yield 1.53 partshaving the following structure confirmed by NMR.

(d). Synthesis of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)4-chlorophenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodiumsalt was achieved by following the method, as described in Example XIII(g), In this reaction 1.5 parts of the (3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)4-chlorophenoxymethylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 1.35parts of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl) 4-chlorophenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2.7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt was obtained andthe following structure was confirmed by NMR.

(e). Synthesis of[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:

On photo-oxidation as described above, (3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)4-chlorophenoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodiumsalt gave[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt, correspond to the formula:

Example XV

This example illustrates the synthesis of[4-(2,4,6-Trichlorophenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:

By using 2,4,6-trichlorophenol as a starting material, the synthesis of[4-(2,4,6-Trichlorophenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt was achieved by following steps (a) to (e) of Example XIV.The following structure was confirmed by NMR.

Example XVI

This example illustrates the synthesis of[4-Methoxy-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2dioxetane-3,13′-tricycle[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:(a). Synthesis of Methyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoate:

Into a 1000 ml round bottom flask 5 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid wasadded to a solution of 31.32 parts of 4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoic acid in500 mL of methanol and the solution was heated at reflux for 17 hrs. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on silica gel plates showed formation ofproduct. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and residuewas dissolved in 250 mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washedwith 2×100 mL of 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution followed by 250mL of deionized water. The organic solvent dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and thereaction mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with 25%ethyl acetate-hexanes. The product fractions (TLC) were combined andsolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give off-white solid,yield 26.3 parts.

(b). Synthesis of methyl 4-cyano-3-silyloxybenzoate:

Into a 500 mL round bottom flask 26 parts of methyl4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoate, 23.2 parts of tert-butyldimethylsilylchloride and 23 parts of imidazole were dissolved in 35 mL of drydimethylformamide and stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formation ofproduct and diluted with 350 mL of deionized water. The product wasextracted with 2×250 mL of hexanes. The organic layer was washed with3×200 mL deionized water, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. Thesolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and mixture was purifiedby chromatography on silica gel with 5% ethyl acetate-hexanes to give anoil, yield 42 parts.

(c). Synthesis of (3-silyloxyoxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 1 L three-neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, refluxcondenser and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was charged 100 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Then 21.93parts of TiCl₄ was added drop wise over 25 min and the suspension wasstirred for 10 min. Now 18.44 parts of Zn dust was added carefully insmall portions over 25 min to the suspension. The reaction mixture washeated at reflux for 4 hr 30 min and 53 mL of Et₃N was added drop wiseover 10 minutes. After refluxing the reaction mixture for 1 hr, solutionof 4.2 parts of methyl 4-cyano-3-silyloxybenzoate and 3.86 parts ofketone 18 in 250 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added drop wise over 2hr 35 min. After 10 min a solution of 0.6 parts of ketone 19 in 5 mLtetrahydrofuran added over 30 min and refluxed for 6 hrs. The reactionmixture was cooled to room temperature and diluted with 150 mL of 1:1mixture of ethyl acetate-hexanes. The mixture was filtered and the solidwas washed with 3×25 mL 1:1 solvent mixture. The combined filtrate wasevaporated under reduced pressure and mixture was purified bychromatography on silica gel with ethyl acetate-hexanes mixturecontaining 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) were combined andevaporated under reduced to oil, yield 4.95 parts of(3-silyloxyoxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene.

(d). Synthesis of (3-Hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 220 mL round bottom flask 3.81 parts of 75 wt. % solution oftetrabutylammonium fluoride in water was added over 15 min to a solutionof 4.92 parts of (3-silyloxyoxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene in 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran andstirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasevaporated under reduced pressure and residue was extracted with 1 L ofmethylene chloride. The organic layer dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andfiltered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and residualmixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with 25% ethylacetate-hexanes containing 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) werecombined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, yield35.7 parts (3-Hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene.

(e). Synthesis of(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylene[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tricyclotridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt:

Into a 3 mL three-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanicalstirrer and pressure equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was added solution of 5.04 parts of phosphorous oxychloridein 300 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. A solution of 3.56parts of (3-Hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 9.09 parts of anhydrouspyridine in 25 mL of dichloromethane was added to the cold solution over4 hrs. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hrs.The reaction mixture cooled to 5° C. and a solution of 5.82 parts of3-hydroxypropionitrile and 6.47 parts of anhydrous pyridine in 250 mLdichloromethane was added drop wise to the reaction mixture over 45 min.The reaction mixture was stirred for 48 hrs at room temperature andcooled to 5° C. for 1 hr 15 min. The mixture was filtered and washedwith cold 25 mL dichloromethane. The solvent was evaporated underreduced pressure and mixture was purified by chromatography on silicagel with 75% ethyl acetate-hexane containing 0.25% Et₃N. The productfractions (TLC) were combined and the solvent was evaporated underreduced pressure gave pure phosphate ester as an oil, yield 2.46 parts.The phosphate ester was dissolved in 100 mL of acetone and 2.36 mL of20% aqueous NaOH solution was added drop wise over 15 min. Stirring wascontinued for 2 hr and the mixture was diluted with 400 mL ofacetonitrile. The solid was filtered and washed with 2×50 mL of acetone.The solid material was crystallized from a methanol and acetone mixture.The solid was filtered, washed with 2×25 mL acetone and dried to give2.02 parts of(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylene[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tricyclotridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt.

(f). Synthesis of [4-Methoxy-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt(123):

A solution of(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylene[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tricyclotridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt in methanol and methylene chloride mixturewas photo-oxidized as described above to give[(4-methoxy-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricycle[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene],disodium salt.

Example XVII

This example illustrates the synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-chloroadamantane],disodium salt:

This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:

(a). Synthesis of Methyl(D₃) 4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoate:

Into a 100 mL round bottom flask 0.5 mL of concentrated sulfuric acidwas added to a solution of 3.1 parts of 4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoic acid in50 mL of CD₃OD and the solution was heated at reflux for 17 hrs. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on silica gel plates showed formation ofproduct. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and residuewas dissolved in 25 mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washedwith 2×100 mL of 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution followed by 250mL of deionized water. The organic solvent dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and thereaction mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with 25%ethyl acetate-hexanes. The product fractions (TLC) were combined andsolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give off-white solid,yield 2.6 parts of the following structure.

The synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-chloroadamantane],disodium salt was achieved by following steps (b) to (f) as described inExample XVI. In step (c) 5-chloro-2-adamantanone was used and otherconditions were similar. The isolated yield was 3.02 parts of thefollowing structure confirmed by NMR.

Example XVIII

This example illustrates the synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-methoxyadamantane],disodium salt:

This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:

(a) Synthesis of (3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy (D₃)methylene-5-methoxyadamantane:

Into a 1 L three-neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, refluxcondenser and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was charged 250 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Then 40.1parts of TiCl₄ was added drop wise over 7 min and the suspension wasstirred for 8 min. Now 36.3 parts of Zn dust was added carefully insmall portions over 15 min to the suspension. The reaction mixture washeated at reflux for 4 hr 30 min and 108 mL of Et₃N was added drop wiseover 10 minutes. After refluxing the reaction mixture for 1 hr, asolution of 8.2 parts of Methyl(D₃) 4-cyano-3-hydroxybenzoate and 5.03parts of 5-methoxy-2-adamantanone in 125 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuranwas added drop wise over 75 min and refluxed for 6 hrs. The mixture wascooled to room temperature and diluted with 500 mL ethyl acetate. Themixture was filtered and the solid was washed with 2×100 mL ethylacetate. The combined filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure andthe mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with 10% ethylacetate-hexanes containing 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) werecombined and evaporated under reduced to give an oil, yield 10.5 partsof the following alkene structure confirmed by NMR.

(b). Synthesis of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy (D₃)methylene-5-methoxyadamantane, disodium salt was achieved, as describedin Example XVI step (e) to give 5.6 parts of the following structureconfirmed by NMR.

(c). Synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-methoxyadamantane],disodium salt:

The disodium phosphate salt of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy(D₃) methylene-5-methoxyadamantane was photo-oxidized as described aboveto give [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-methoxyadamantane],disodium salt:

Example XIX

This example illustrates the synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricycle[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:(a). Synthesis of (3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy (D₃) methylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

A similar procedure was used by using 10.28 parts of themethyl(D₃)-3hydroxy-4-cyanobenzoate and 7.5 parts oftricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene-13-one as described in ExampleXVIII step (a) to give an oil, 6.2 parts of the following structureconfirmed by NMR.

(b) Synthesis of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy (D₃) methylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene, disodium salt was achieved asdescribed in Example XVI step (e) using 6.2 parts of(3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxy (D₃) methylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene to give 3.8 parts of the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

(c). Synthesis of [(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]Spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt:

Disodium phosphate salt, 3.8 parts, of (3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxy (D₃) methylene tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene wasphoto-oxidized as reported above to give [(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)]Spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene,disodium salt.

Example XX

This example illustrates the synthesis ofbis{[(4-methylenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl)]Spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane],disodium salt};This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:(a). Synthesis of tert-Butyldimethylsilyl3-tertbutyldimethylsilyloxybenzoate:

Into a 500 mL round bottom flask 13.95 parts of 3-hydroxy benzoic acid,33.5 parts of tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride and 31.3 parts ofimidazole were dissolved in 31 mL of dry dimethylformamide and stirredat room temperature for 22 hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted with300 mL of deionized water and the product was extracted with 2×250 mL ofhexanes. The hexanes layer was washed with 3×200 mL deionized water,dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 37.6 parts of the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

(b). Synthesis of 3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoic acid:

Into a 500 mL round bottom flask 38 mL of 5% aqueous NaOH solution wasadded over 5 min to a solution of 37.6 parts of tert-butyldimethylsilyl3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy benzoate in 185 mL of tetrahydrofuran andthe reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min at room temperature. Thereaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formation ofproduct. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 30% ethylacetate-hexane to yield 20.3 parts of an oily product having thefollowing structure confirmed by NMR.

(c). Synthesis of 3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoyl chloride:

Into a 100 mL round bottom flask a mixture of 5 parts of3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoic acid and 25 mL of thionyl chloridewas heated at reflux for 90 mins. The reaction mixture was concentratedunder reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 5.77 parts of the followingstructure.

(d). Synthesis of bis[methylenoxy 3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoate]:

Into a 100 ml three neck round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under an argon blanketwas charged a solution containing 0.617 parts of ethylene glycol and2.38 parts of pyridine in 10 mL dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. Asolution of 5.77 parts of 3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxybenzoyl chloridein 25 mL of dichloromethane was added drop wise over 20 min to a coldsolution and stirred for additional 30 mins. The reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 20 hrs. The reaction was monitored byTLC on silica gel plate showed formation of product. The reactionmixture was diluted with 50 mL of dichloromethane and washed with 3×50mL of deionized water. The organic layer was separated, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reducedpressure and mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with5% ethylacetate-hexane. The product fractions (TLC) were combined andevaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 2.9 parts of thefollowing structure confirmed by NMR.

(e). Synthesis of bis-[(3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl)methylenoxymethylene adamantane]:

Into a 2 L three-neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, refluxcondenser and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was charged 200 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. 44.2 partsof TiCl₄ was added drop wise over 10 min and the suspension was stirredfor 5 min. Then 36.4 parts of Zn dust was added carefully in smallportions over 20 min to the suspension. The reaction mixture was heatedat reflux for 4 hrs and 115 mL of Et₃N was added over 10 min. Afterrefluxing the mixture for 1 hr, a solution of 5.27 parts ofbis[methylenoxy 3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy benzoate] and 3.52 parts of2-adamantanone in 100 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added drop wiseover 1 hr. After 10 min additional 0.8 parts of 2-admantanone in 20 mLanhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added drop wise over 30 min. Afterrefluxing for 6 hrs, the mixture was cooled to room temperature anddiluted with 400 mL of 1:1 mixture of ethyl acetate-hexanes. The mixturewas filtered and the solid was washed with 3×125 mL 1:1 mixture. Thecombined filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and mixture waspurified by chromatography on silica gel with hexanes-ethyl acetatemixtures containing 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) werecombined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, yield6.84 parts of the following structure confirmed by NMR.

(f). Synthesis of bis[(3-hydroxyphenyl) methylenoxymethyleneadamantane]:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask 6.82 parts of 75 wt. % solution oftetrabutylammonium fluoride in water was added over 10 min to a solutionof 6.63 parts of bis-[(3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl)methylenoxymethylene adamantane] in 65 mL of tetrahydrofuran and stirredat room temperature for 2 hr. The reaction was monitored by TLC on asilica gel plate showed formation of product. Solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure and residue was extracted with 150 mLdichloromethane. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressureand solid was purified by chromatography on silica gel with ethylacetate-hexanes mixtures. The product fractions (TLC) were combined andevaporated under reduced pressure to give white solid, yield 4.87 partsof the following structure confirmed by NMR.

(g). Synthesis of bis[(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl) methylenoxymethyleneadamantane, disodium salt]:

Into a 1 L three-neck round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrerand pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogen atmosphere wasadded solution of 8.13 parts of phosphorous oxychloride in 50 mL ofdichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. A solution of 4.72 parts ofbis[(3-hydroxyphenyl) methylenoxymethylene adamantine] and 14.61 partsof anhydrous pyridine in 100 mL of dichloromethane was added to the coldsolution over 2 hrs. The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 3 hrs. The reaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gelplate showed formation of product. The reaction mixture cooled to 5° C.and a solution of 9.35 parts of 3-hydroxypropionitrile and 10.4 parts ofanhydrous pyridine in 50 mL dichloromethane was added drop wise to thereaction mixture over 30 mins. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16hrs at room temperature and was cooled to 5° C. for 30 min and the solidwas filtered and washed with cold 15 mL dichloromethane. The solvent wasevaporated under reduced pressure and mixture was purified bychromatography on silica gel with 75% ethyl acetate-hexane containing0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) were combined and the solventwas evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, yield 5.13 parts.The phosphate ester was dissolved in 250 ml of acetone and 5.2 mL of 10%aqueous NaOH solution was added drop wise over 10 min. Stirring wascontinued for 2 hrs and the mixture was diluted with 25 mL ofacetonitrile. The solid was filtered and washed with 5 mL of acetone.The solid was crystallized from methanol and acetone mixture. The solidwas filtered, washed with 5 mL acetone and dried to yield 4.3 parts ofthe following structure confirmed by NMR.

(h). Synthesis ofBis{[(4-methylenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane],disodium salt} (146):

The disodium phosphate salt of bis[(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl)methylenoxymethylene adamantine] was photo-oxidized as described abovegavebis{[(4-methylenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane],disodium salt} of the following structure confirmed by NMR.

Example XXI

This example illustrates the synthesis ofbis-{[(4-methylenoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cholorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane],disodium salt}:This compound was synthesized by following the procedure of steps (a) to(h) of Example XX but therein 3-hydroxy-4-chlorobenzoic acid was as thestarting acid. The following structure of the product was assigned byNMR.

Example XXII

This example illustrates the synthesis ofbis-[(4-methoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cholorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-5-chloroadamantane],disodium salt}:

This compound was synthesized by following the procedure of steps (a) to(h) of Example XX but using 3-hydroxy-4-chlorobenzoic acid in place of3-hydroxybenzoic acid and in step (e) using 5-chloro-2-adamantanone asthe reactant in place of 2-adamantanone. The following structure of theproduct was assigned by NMR.

Example XXIII

Synthesis ofbis{[(4-methoxy)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,13′-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene],disodium salt} (165):This compound was synthesized using the procedure of steps (a) to (h) ofExample XX but using 3-hydroxy-4-chlorobenzoic acid in place of3-hydroxybenzoic acid and tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene-13-one(18) was the reactant in place of 2-adamantanone. The followingstructure of the product was assigned by NMR.

Example XXIV

Synthesis ofbis[{(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)}spiro{1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-(5-oxy-adamantane)}, disodium salt] methane:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:(a). Synthesis of bis-[5-oxy-adamantan-2-one]methane:

Into 1 L three neck flask equipped with magnetic stirrer,pressure-equalizing addition funnel and reflux condensor under nitrogenatmosphere, 12.7 parts of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil)was mixed with 125 mL of hexane and stirred for 3 mins. Stirring wasstopped for 5 min and hexane decanted off. This process was repeatedwith additional 2×125 mL hexane and suspended in 125 mL of anhydroustetrahydrofuran. Then 43 parts of 5-hydroxy-2-adamantanone was addedportion wise over 2 min and the reaction mixture was heated at refluxfor 90 mins. After the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperatureand 62 parts of chloroiodomethane was added at once and the reactionmixture was heated at reflux for 22 hrs. The reaction mixture was cooledto 30° C. and 23.8 parts chloroiodomethane was added at once and heatedat reflux for 48 hrs. The solution was cooled to room temperature andconcentrated under reduced pressure and residue was extracted with 350mL of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and themixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with 20% ethylacetate-hexanes. The product fractions (TLC) were combined and solventwas evaporated under reduced pressure to give 12.72 parts of a whitesolid of the following structure confirmed by NMR.

(b). Synthesis ofbis[(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)methoxy(D3)methylene5-oxy-adamantane]methane:

Into a 2 L three-neck flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, refluxcondenser and pressure-equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was charged 250 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. 45.9 partsof TiCl₄ was added drop wise over 10 min and the suspension was stirredfor 10 min. Then 40.3 parts of Zn dust was added carefully in smallportions over 15 min to the suspension. The reaction mixture was heatedat reflux for 4 hrs and 30 mins and 115 mL of Et₃N was added drop wiseover 10 minutes. After refluxing the mixture for 45 mins, solution of7.85 parts of methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybenzoate and 4.1 parts ofbis-[5-oxy-adamantan-2-one]methane in 125 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuranwas added drop wise over 2 hrs and refluxed for 6 hrs. The mixture wascooled to room temperature and diluted with 500 mL of ethyl acetate. Thereaction mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with ethylacetate. The combined filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure andthe mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel with ethylacetate-hexanes mixture containing 0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions(TLC) were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give anoil, yield 2.94 parts of the following structure confirmed by NMR.

(c). Synthesis ofbis-[(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)methoxy(D3)methylene-5-oxy-adamantane,disodium salt] methane:

Into a 500 mL three-neck round bottom flask equipped with magneticstirrer and pressure equalizing addition funnel under nitrogenatmosphere was added solution of 2.86 parts of phosphorous oxychloridein 30 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. A solution of 2.04 partsof bis-[(3-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)methoxy(D3)methylene5-oxy-adamantane]methane and 5.15 parts of anhydrouspyridine in 45 mL of dichloromethane was added to the cold solution over2 hrs. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hr.The reaction was monitored by TLC on a silica gel plate showed formationof product. The reaction mixture cooled to 5° C. (ice-water) and asolution of 3.31 parts of 3-hydroxypropionitrile and 3.7 parts ofanhydrous pyridine in 30 mL dichloromethane was added drop wise to thereaction mixture over 35 mins. The reaction mixture was stirred for 26hrs at room temperature and was cooled to 5° C. for 45 mins and thesolid was filtered and washed with cold 15 mL dichloromethane. Thefiltrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and mixture was purifiedby chromatography on silica gel with 75% ethyl acetate-hexane containing0.25% Et₃N. The product fractions (TLC) were combined and the solventwas evaporated under reduced pressure give phosphate ester as an oil,yield 1.54 parts. The phosphate ester was dissolved in 40 ml of acetoneand 3 mL of 10% aqueous NaOH solution was added at once. Stirring wascontinued for 2 hr and the mixture was diluted with 15 mL ofacetonitrile. The solid was filtered and washed with 2 mL of acetone.The solid material was crystallized from a methanol and acetone mixture.The solid was filtered, washed with 2 mL of acetone and dried to yield1.28 parts of the following compound confirmed by NMR.

Photooxidation ofbis[(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)methoxy(D3)methylene5-oxy-adamantane,disodium salt] methane:

The disodium phosphate salt ofbis-[(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)methoxy(D3)methylene-5-oxy-adamantane]methanewas photooxidized as described above to givebis[{(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-chlorophenyl)}spiro{1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-(5-oxy-adamantane)}, disodium salt] methane of thefollowing structure confirmed by NMR.

Example XXV

Synthesis of bis[{(4-methoxy(D3)-4-(3-phosphoryloxy-4-cyanophenyl)}spiro{1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-(5-oxy-adamantane)}, disodium salt] methane:This compound was synthesized using the following procedure of steps (a)to (d) of example XXIV but in step (b) methyl3-hydroxy-4-cyanobenzoatewas used in place of methyl(D3)₃-hydroxy-4-chloroobenzoate. Thefollowing structure for the product was assigned by NMR.

Example XXVI

Synthesis of bis[{(4-methoxy-4-(3-phosphoryloxyphenyl)}spiro{1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-(5-oxy-adamantane)}, disodium salt] methane:This compound was synthesized following the procedure of steps (a) to(d) as described in Example XXIV but in step (b) methyl3-hydroxybenzoatewas used in place of methyl(D3)₃-hydroxy-4-chloroobenzoate. Thefollowing structure of the product was assigned by NMR.

Example XXVII

Synthesis of[4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:Synthesis of [(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantane:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask 15 mL aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(15 parts of sodium hydroxide in 15 mL of deionized water) was added toa solution of 10.1 parts of [(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantane in 75 mL of acetone at room temperature withvigorous stirring and stirred for 10 min. Then 17 parts ofacetobromo-α-D-galactose was added portion wise over 20 mins to mixtureand stirred vigorously for 23 hrs. The reaction mixture was concentratedunder reduced pressure and the reaction mixture was extracted with 300mL of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and filtered. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure andcrude mixture was purified by column chromatography over silica gel with10% methanol-ethyl to yield 7.09 parts of the following compoundconfirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane:

A solution of [(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantine, 7.09 parts, in 270 mL of 1:1 mixture ofdichloromethane-acetone was photooxidized as described above to give[4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane.

Example XXVIII

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-galactose-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:Synthesis of (3-β-D-galactose-4-cyanophenyl)methoxy methylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask 16 mL aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(16 parts of sodium hydroxide in 16 mL of deionized water) was added toa solution of 11.35 parts of (3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene in 125 mL of acetone at roomtemperature with vigorous stirring and stirred for 15 min. Then 15.35parts of acetobromo-α-D-galactose was added portion wise over 10 min tomixture and stirred vigorously for 20 hrs. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and residue was extracted with 300mL of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄and filtered. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure andmixture was purified by column chromatography over silica gel with 5%methanol-ethyl acetate gave to yield 10.8 parts of the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-Methoxy-4(3-β-D-galactose-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene(55):

A solution of, 10.6 parts, [(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy(D₃) methylene]adamantinein 270 mL of 1:1 mixture ofdichloromethane-acetone was photo-oxidized as described above to give[4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-galactose-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane.

Example XXIX

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-glucoside-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure:Synthesis of [(3-β-D-glucoside-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantine:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask 10 mL of aqueous sodium hydroxidesolution (10.78 parts of sodium hydroxide in 10 mL of deionized water)was added to a solution of 7.75 parts of[(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane in 50mL of acetone at room temperature with vigorous stirring and stirred for10 min. Then 10 parts of 2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosylbromide added portion wise over 12 min and stirred vigorously for 20 hr.The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and thereaction mixture was extracted with 400 mL of dichloromethane. Theorganic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solutionwas concentrated under reduced pressure and mixture was purified bycolumn chromatography over silica gel with 10% methanol-ethyl acetate toyield 4.95 parts of the following compound confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-b-D-glucoside-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:

A solution of, 4.95 parts, [(3-β-D-glucoside-4-chlorophenyl)-(2-methoxy(D₃) methylene]adamantinein 250 mL of 1:1 mixture ofdichloromethane-acetone was photo-oxidized as described above to give[(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-b-D-glucoside-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane].

Example XXX

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoside-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of [(3-β-D-glucoside-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask 10 mL of aqueous sodium hydroxidesolution (10.3 parts of sodium hydroxide in 10 mL of deionized water)was added to a solution of 7.3 parts of(3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene (128) in 50 mL of acetone at roomtemperature with vigorous stirring and stirred for 10 min. Then 10 partsof 2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide added portion-wiseover 8 min and stirred vigorously for 20 hrs. The reaction mixtureconcentrated under reduced pressure and extracted with 300 mL ofdichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andfiltered. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure andmixture was purified by column chromatography over silica gel with 5%methanol-ethyl acetate to yield 4.9 parts of the following compoundconfirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoside-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

A solution of, 4.9 parts,[(3-β-D-glucoside-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-enein 240 mL of 1:1 mixture ofdichloromethane-acetone was photo-oxidized as described above to give of[(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoside-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene.

Example XXXI

Synthesis of Sodium [(4-methoxy (D₃)-4-(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of ethyl[(3-β-D-glucoronic acid-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantine:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1.2 parts of sodium hydroxide in 1 mL of deionized water) was added toa solution of 3.7 parts of [(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantane in 100 mL of acetone maintained at room temperaturewith vigorous stirring and stirred for 30 min. The mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the solid was dried under vacuumfor 1 hr. The solid was dissolved in 45 mL of anhydrous ethanol and 5parts of acetobromo-α-D-glucoronic acid methyl ester added quickly tothe solution. The dark brown solution was stirred for 4 hr 30 min atroom temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure and extracted with 250 mL of dichloromethane. The organic layerwas dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and mixture was purified by columnchromatography over silica gel with 80% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield1.55 parts of the following compound confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of Sodium [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:

A solution of, 1.55 parts, ethyl[(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃) methylene]adamantane in 50 mL of 1:1mixture of dichloromethane-acetone was photo-oxidized as described aboveto give Sodium [(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane].

Example XXXII

Synthesis of Sodium [(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of ethyl[(3-β-D-glucoronicacid)-4-cyanophenyl]methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 250 mL round bottom flask an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution(1.03 parts of sodium hydroxide in 1 mL of deionized water) was added toa solution of 4.2 parts of 3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene (128) in 100 mL of acetone at roomtemperature with vigorous stirring and stirred for 30 min. The mixturewas concentrated under reduced pressure and the solid was dried undervacuum for 35 min. The solid was dissolved in 60 mL of anhydrous ethanoland 5 parts of acetobromo-α-D-glucoronic acid, methyl ester addedquickly to the solution. The dark brown solution was stirred for 6 hrsat room temperature, concentrated under reduce pressure and extracted200 mL of dichloromethane. The organic layer was dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution was concentrated under reducedpressure and mixture was purified by column chromatography over silicagel with 80% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield 1.3 parts of the followingstructure confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of sodium [(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

A solution of, 1.3 parts, ethyl[(3-β-D-glucoronicacid)-4-cyanophenyl]methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-enein 75 mL of 1:1 mixture ofdichloromethane-acetone was photo-oxidized as described above to givesodium [(4-methoxy-4(3-β-D-glucoronicacid-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene.

Example XXXIII

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-acetoxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of [(3-acetoxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantine:

Into a 250 mL three neck flask equipped with magnetic stirrer andpressure-equalizing addition funnel under a argon atmosphere chargedsolution of 2.34 parts of [(3-Hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantine and 1.7 parts of diisopropylethylamine in 50 mL ofdichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. A solution of 0.65 parts of acetylchloride in 10 mL of dichloromethane was added drop wise over 10 min toa cold solution and stirred for 25 mins. The mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 26 hrs, diluted with 50 mL of dchloromethane and addeddeionized water 35 mL. The organic layer was separated, dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution was concentrated underreduced pressure and mixture was purified by column chromatography oversilica gel with 10% ethyl acetate-hexanes to give 1.98 parts of thefollowing compound confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-acetoxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:

A solution of, 1.98 parts, [(3-acetoxy-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy (D₃)methylene]adamantane in 75 mL of 1:1 mixture of dichloromethane-acetonewas photo-oxidized as described above to give[(4-Methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-acetoxy-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane].

Example XXXIV

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-acetoxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of (3-Acetoxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 250 mL three neck flask equipped with magnetic stirrer andpressure-equalizing addition funnel under argon atmosphere chargedsolution of 1.64 parts of 3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 1.03 parts ofdiisopropylethylamine in 40 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. Asolution of 0.45 parts of acetyl chloride in 5 mL of dichloromethane wasadded drop wise over 10 min and stirred for 30 mins. The mixture stirredat room temperature for 18 hr, diluted with 50 mL of dichloromethane andadded 35 mL of deionized water. The organic layer was dried overanhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution was concentrated underreduced pressure and mixture was purified by column chromatography oversilica gel with 10% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield 1.39 parts of thefollowing compound confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-acetoxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

A solution of, 1.39 parts, (3-Acetoxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-enein 50 mL of dichloromethane wasphoto-oxidized as described above to give of[(4-methoxy-4(3-acetoxy-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene.

Example XXXV

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-sulfate-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of[(3-sulfate-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy(D₃)methylene]adamantane:

Into a 250 mL three neck flask equipped with magnetic stirrer andpressure equalizing addition funnel under argon atmosphere chargedsolution of 3.7 parts of 3-hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl)methoxy(D₃)methylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 2.96 parts ofdiisopropylethylamine in 40 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. Asolution of 1.52 parts of chlorosulfonic acid in 10 mL ofdichloromethane was added drop wise over 10 min to a cold solution andwas stirred for 30 min. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for18 hrs, diluted with 50 mL of dichloromethane and added 25 mL ofdeionized water. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and filtered. The solution was concentrated under reducedpressure and mixture was purified by column chromatography over silicagel eluting with 20% ethyl acetate-hexanes to yield 1.6 parts of thefollowing compound confirmed by NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-sulfate-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane]:

A solution of, 1.6 parts,[(3-sulfate-4-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy(D₃)methylene]adamantanein 60 mL ofdichloromethane was photo-oxidized as described above to give[(4-methoxy(D₃)-4-(3-sulfate-4-chlorophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-adamantane].

Example XXXVI

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-sulfate-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:This compound was synthesized by the following procedure.Synthesis of (3-Sulfate-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

Into a 250 mL three neck flask equipped with magnetic stirrer andpressure equalizing addition funnel under argon atmosphere chargedsolution of 1.64 parts of 3hydroxy-4-cyanophenyl) methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene and 1.26 parts ofdiisopropylethylamine in 40 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 5° C. Asolution of 0.65 parts of chlorosulfonic acid in 5 mL of dichloromethanewas added drop wise over 10 min to a cold solution and stirred for 30mins. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hrs, dilutedwith 50 mL of dichloromethane and added 25 mL of deionized water. Theorganic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and filtered.The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and crude mixturewas purified by column chromatography over silica gel with 20% ethylacetate-hexanes to yield 0.95 parts of the following compound confirmedby NMR.

Synthesis of[(4-methoxy-4(3-sulfate-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-ene:

A solution of, 0.95 parts, [(3-Sulfate-4-cyanophenyl)methoxymethylenetricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-enein 35 mL of dichloromethane wasphoto-oxidized as described above to give[(4-methoxy-4(3-sulfate-4-cyanophenyl)]spiro[1,2-dioxetane-3-1,3-tricylo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]tridec-2,7-eneof the following structure confirmed by NMR.

1. A β-D-Galactose-based enzyme cleaveable substrate the selected fromthe group consisting of:


2. The substrate of claim 1 which corresponds to the formula:


3. The substrate of claim 1 which corresponds to the formula:


4. The substrate of claim 1 which corresponds to the formula:


5. The substrate of claim 1 which corresponds to the formula: